With so many sensationalized reports and CNN-fueled mistruths surrounding this real-time American saga, it’s only right that we provide essential facts (and details) for those who may be lost or confused about today’s soul-draining series of events.
Here are ten essential facts (and details) about the bombing suspects for those trying to catch up. Take a look.

Bombing suspects are brothers Tamerlan Tsaernaev, 26 and Dzhokar Tsarnaev, 19 from Chechnya (capital city of the Cechen Republic), Russia who resided in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Originally “dark skinned” (or anything BUT white-American), both are Muslims described as “friendly” by everyone who knew them.

Dzhokar Tsarnaev was granted American citizenship on Sept. 11. 2012. A year earlier, the city of Cambridge awarded him a $2500 scholarship. He was a student at UMASS-Dartmouth.
Photo credit: Twitter

Older brother Tamerlan Tsaernaev represented New England in the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in 2009 and 2010. Music and boxing were his passions.

The man-hunt began when suspects robbed a 7-Eleven Thursday night. MIT campus police officer responded to the disturbance and was killed by the suspects as they made their escape.

Suspects ditched their Honda CRV and stole a Mercedes-Benz SUV before fleeing to Watertown, Massachusetts. During their escape, they bragged about being the marathon bombers to the car's driver-turned-hostage.

Watertown police spotted the stolen vehicle and attempted to pull it over. Suspects threw explosives out the window at officers. They exchanged gunfire that left an officer wounded. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and explosions early Friday morning.

At some point, Watertown police disabled the vehicle and the suspects fled on foot—armed with grenades and strapped with explosives—into a quiet Watertown community.

Older brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev was fatally shot as he ran toward Watertown police officers while attempting to set off explosives strapped to his chest.

Dzhokar Tsarnaev escaped police by driving the SUV through a mob of officers. He reportedly drove over his brother as he fled scene.

City of Boston is on total lockdown. Everything is closed. Officials have suspended all mass transit. City residents have been ordered to stay inside until the suspect is caught. Younger brother Dzhokar Tsarnaev is still at large.